Information about COVID-19 also referred to as “coronavirus” can be found on the Whatcom County Health Department website. 

Active Incidents

The “Proclamation of Emergency” signed by the Whatcom County Executive concerning the storms and flooding in late January and early February remains in effect at this time.

Advisories, Watches and Warnings: 

There are no advisories, watches, or warnings for our area at this time.

Whatcom County Weather

The next few days will feel like a return to winter. We’re going to see winds switching to the east/northeast and increasing from a breeze to windy conditions with gusts near 40 mph by tomorrow night. Temperatures will drop into the low 40s for highs by Saturday and you can expect some mid-20 degree readings or colder around the county for lows. The ski area is predicted to see a low of ten degrees Saturday night. There will be a chance for some rain or rain/snow mixtures tomorrow but accumulations will be little to none and not everyone will see this. Once we get past Saturday, things will turn around and temperatures will start to warm-up to the upper 40s by Monday.

The Nooksack River level will continue to flow at its current level thanks to the cooler temperatures and little precipitation in the forecast.

Coastal Weather for Whatcom County

For the Coastal and Inland waters of Whatcom County, winds will be rather light today and tonight but that will change for tomorrow. Northeast winds will increase from 5-15 knots to 20-30 knots during the day tomorrow and then 30-40 knots by tomorrow night. We can expect a small craft advisory to be issued for the 20-30 knot range followed by a Gale Watch or Gale Warning for the higher winds depending on the National Weather Service timeline.

For the tides, today was the last day of King Tides for awhile.  Otherwise, tides at Cherry Point for the next two days:

Here are a few emergency management reminders:

First, put your Winter Safety Kit in your vehicle if you haven’t done so already. Check the Washington State Department of Transportation website for a list of items to have in your kit.

Second, watch for ice and slush on the roadways especially where the temperature drops below the freezing level. And don’t forget, shaded caused by overhanging trees, mountains, or even buildings can shield the sun from thawing the frost and you could go from a dry area to patches of frost which could cause a loss of traction or vehicle control. Elevation will also make a difference as to where the freezing level is so keep alert.

Third, watch for packed snow or patches of packed snow if you are headed to the ski area or crossing the Cascades over the next couple of days. Slush or snow building up under your vehicle tires can cause your vehicle to ride on top of an unstable surface and can lead to loss of traction and vehicle control.

Fourth, keep an eye on the avalanche notifications and tree well warning. You can find information about both on the Mount Baker Ski Area Website Home Page.

Fifth, don’t drive through water flowing over roads. It only take three to six inches of fast moving water to knock you off your feet and another few inches to move vehicles as large as SUVs.  Do not go around signs or barriers; they are there for your protection and going a different route will only cost you a little bit of time.  

This briefing line is not updated on weekends unless an incident occurs.